Mexican army captures several suspects in killing of U.S. agent

[News_Editor]

Mexican army captures several suspects in killing of U.S. agent

2011-02-24 10:12:16 GMT+7 (ICT)

MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) -- Mexican authorities on Wednesday said several of the alleged murderers involved in the attack that killed a U.S. agent last week, were captured during a military operation, official said.

Mexico's National Security Department said a military operation conducted in the state of San Luis Potosi in four different residential areas resulted in the capture of one of the main suspects involved in the attack against two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as well as eight additional accomplices.

The arrested individual initially remained unnamed, but he was later presented during a press conference as Julian Zapata Espinosa, also known as 'el Piolin.' He is being considered as the author of the attack.

Five other suspects were named, and said to be members of 'Los Zetas' criminal group. In addition, three women and one minor were also arrested during the operation.

Last week, on February 15, a group of gunmen attacked two ICE agents, assigned to the ICE Attaché office in Mexico City. One of the agents, Jaime Zapata, was killed during the attack, while the other, Victor Avila, suffered gunshot wounds. The attack occurred when a group of gunmen opened fire against the agents on a San Luis Potosi highway, located between Mexico City and Monterrey.

U.S. President Barack Obama, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and ICE Director John Morton, welcomed the news, noting that it is an ongoing investigation, as the U.S. will continue to work closely with law enforcement officals in Mexico.

Obama said neither the United States nor Mexico would tolerate violence against those who serve and protect the nations' citizens.

"We will also continue our vigorous and coordinated efforts to defeat the criminal organizations operating in Mexico that seek to exploit our shared border. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Agent Zapata’s family, his friends, and his colleagues," Napolitano said.

On Tuesday, funeral services were held in Brownsville, Texas for agent Zapata, who was only 32 years old.

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